First Team News

Johnson settles into life of rotation

Adam Johnson on the ball

Adam Johnson is determined to build on his stunning goal at Ewood Park but knows that his potential prize winning effort is not certain to guarantee a starting berth against Villa.

The England international, who missed a couple of weeks leading up to the win at Blackburn thanks to a foot injury, has grown to accept that rotation is part of everyday life at a top Premier League club.

“We know more than ever before that this is a squad game and you have to accept that you can’t play in every game,” he said in the wake of the 4-0 triumph that meant no one in the Premier League has more points than City after seven games.

“That’s what successful sides do and we’re no different. You just have to make sure that when you are selected, you give it your best shot.

“The manager wanted to freshen things up after the Bayern Munich game by bringing some of the lads who didn’t play in that game so it’s up to the likes of me to stake a claim when I play.

“We are aware that there are plenty of games coming up and we want to win every competition we’re in, so there will be a lot of chopping and changing as the season goes on, that’s only to be expected.

It’s a squad game more than ever these days and the key is that when changes are made, an equally strong replacement comes in

...Adam Johnson

Johnson believes that the four-goal demolition of Rovers not only showed the Blues’ character and determination but amply illustrated the depth of the resources at Roberto Mancini’s disposal.

“It showed at Blackburn that we can bring in five or six different players after a Champions League game and we are still just as strong because not many teams will go to Ewood Park and win 4-0,” he declared.

“If there are two games a week and you play in one of those games, I think you have to be happy with that - it’s the price of playing at such a big club.

“You physically can’t play in every single game and if you want to win trophies and be successful, you have to play your part and give everything when called upon.”